Yoga For Treating Muscle Spasms

Characteristics and Cause of Muscle Spasm

Muscle spasm is characterized by the pulling or tearing of specific muscles in the body, due to overexertion when performing intense physical activities. Although not a life-threatening condition, muscle spasm can result to intense pain on the affected muscles. It has the potential to develop into a more serious muscle injury, which means that you have to address it as soon as possible.

The sensation is characterized by a burning or inflammation on the specific area of the muscle. When you do have muscle spasm, refrain from engaging in any form of physical activity or anything that requires some sort of exertion.

Medications for Muscle Spasm

Needless to say, muscle spasm can range from being a total annoyance to a completely painful experience. However, modern science has thought out ways in which one can cope with the pain associated with this condition. This is in the form of several drugs or medications that can reverse or alter the symptoms of muscle spasm for a general calming effect. These drugs contain the following essential properties:

*Sedative – This property is used in several medications, particularly for muscle spasm, as it targets the central nervous system. Hence, it produces a relaxing effect on the body as the nervous tension on your muscles is reduced. In some cases, it can induce sleep when taken in large doses.

*Carisoprodol – Here is another property used in various drugs for relief on muscle spasm. This is especially effective against severe muscle strain. It acts by blocking the impulses on the nerves of your brain stem and be relieved of any sensation of pain.

* Cyclobenzaprine – This type of drug property is recommended for muscle relaxation, especially for those suffering from stiffness or pain caused by pulled muscles. It reacts on the nerves that control the muscles but does nothing to interfere with the muscle function.

Performing General Stretching Exercises

Aside from the medications listed above, general stretching exercises prove to be natural and effective means of combating the effects of muscle spasm. When you practice this on a regular basis, you will find that healing of muscle spasm is gradually speeding up. The idea behind performing stretching exercises is to lengthen the short muscular tissues, which are vulnerable to being “pulled” when exerted or when an individual engages in intense physical activities. Hence, muscle spasms are more common among athletes.

Stretching exercises in yoga are also useful in providing more stability to your muscles for injury prevention in the future. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely you are going to suffer from muscle spasm.

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation

There are two aspects wherein yoga and meditation is useful in treating muscle spasm. The first aspect involves the performance of yoga asanas, which involve a lot of stretching components. Again, stretching helps to boost muscle strength, add flexibility, and lengthen your muscles to cure muscle spasm.

Meanwhile, meditation enables you to cope mentally with the pain caused by muscle spasm. With proper meditation, you allow your body to relax and think less of the pain. That way, you can just focus on exercises that help bring about relief instead of being annoyed by the pain sensation.

Yoga Books on Amazon

yoga and me - savasana with Sarah Powers

Restorative Yoga : Yoga Relaxation Pose

Corpse Pose

The performance of Corpse Pose for muscle spasm produces a soothing and relaxing effect on the affected areas of the body. Plus, it is one of the simplest forms of yoga position that you can do. To provide relief from muscle spasm by performing the Corpse Pose, take note of the following steps:

Start on a supine position (with back against the floor). Stretch out your legs and arms naturally on the sides of your body.

While on this starting position, perform deep breathing as it will help soothe your entire body making it easier to relax.

Bring your arms upward such that it is over your head and let it stay there for about 30 seconds. It is important to note your body’s reaction to each pose to ensure that there are no pain sensations. When there is, modify the position a bit to ease the pain or to accommodate the body’s needs.

When the 30 seconds is over, release your arm back to the sides. Then, bend your knees forward such that it touches your chest. Use your arms to clasp on your knees and keep it there for a few seconds.

Try to apply a gentle twisting motion on your upper torso to stretch out your back muscles. Be careful and deliberate in performing the twist such that you prevent straining the muscles that could cause more complication.

Hamstring Stretching - static stretches

Hamstring Stretch

To perform a Hamstring Stretch, do the following:

You will start on a seated position, preferably on the ground. Stretch out one of your legs in front of you, while you bend the other on the opposing leg’s thigh.

Lean your upper torso forward so you can feel your hamstring muscles being stretched out. For more effective stretching, try to mimic the motion of reaching at your foot as it will naturally straighten out your legs.

Remain in position for approximately 30 seconds or above 15 seconds. If not, then you cannot gain the expected results from this stretching exercise.

Do the entire process all over again in at least 3 repetitions, or as much as you can.

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